Vancouver police seize weapons, illicit drugs, cash from alleged crime group occupying DTES residences
Posted October 22, 2025 9:05 am.
Last Updated October 22, 2025 6:55 pm.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) arrested three men last month in connection with what it describes as a criminal network operating in the Downtown Eastside (DTES)
Police say a six-week investigation identified the men, who are not residents of the neighbourhood, working out of several suites in the West Hotel on Carrall Street, allegedly trafficking illicit drugs, weapons, and stolen property.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!“Over six weeks, these officers gathered evidence that led to the arrest of three people who we believe were the masterminds of this criminal organization,” VPD Sgt. Steve Addison said.
He adds that the alleged criminals are three men and belong to a criminal network. All three are in their 50s and are not DTES residents.
“Organized criminals are still finding ways to profit at the expense of the neighbourhood’s most vulnerable. In this case, criminals were taking valuable housing away from people who need it most,” said Addison.
On Sept. 25, acting on search warrants, the VPD reportedly seized $35,000 in cash, illicit drugs with an estimated street value of $336,000, and approximately $30,000 in stolen clothing and other retail merchandise.
Police also seized the following items:
- 44 knives, machetes, and swords,
- One taser,
- Nine guns,
- 200 rounds of ammunition,
- Four sets of body armour,
- One firearm suppressor,
- And one extended drum 50-round magazine.
